Food and Living Environment Section > Food Protection Program > Temporary Food Events
Snohomish Health District inspects temporary food events within Snohomish County. Temporary food events include (not limited to)
booths or trailers at fairs, parks and carnivals; they also include judged cook-off(s), and food demonstrating. Temporary food
events do require a permit; however, certain foods and beverages may be exempt from the permit as detailed in the "Exemption from
Permit Application" below. Permit fees are dependent upon the type of food or beverage served, whether it is considered low
risk or high risk and the duration of time it will be served. Food vendors at temporary events are routinely inspected during
hours of operation. Each operator is responsible to maintain a clean and safe establishment to prevent the risk of possible
illness.
Applications for Temporary Food Events
Application for Temporary Food Service Permit:
All persons, unless eligible for exemption, must apply for a temporary event permit. The application MUST be received by
the Environmental Health Division office seven (7) days before the event to avoid a non refundable late fee. Postmark is
NOT sufficient. Please read and utilize the requirements to operate at temporary events
checklist below to assure compliance with all Snohomish Health District requirements.
Application for Temporary Food Service Permit
Requirements to Operate at Temporary Events
Application for Exemption from Permit:
To check eligibility for exemption refer to the application below. Be aware, each exempt food or beverage item contains
stipulations that must be fully met. After receiving your application, an inspector will review your plan with you. You may
be asked to provide additional information. Once the application is approved, NO changes may be made without approval from the
Food Program.
Application - Exemption from Permit
Temporary Food Service Product Information Form:
Once the Environmental Health Division has received a permit application and reviewed it, a product information form may be
requested by the department. This occurs if there are possible questions or concerns about the food or beverage being sold.
If a product information form is requested the form must be RECEIVED in the Environmental Health Division Office
seven (7) days before the first day of the vendor operation.
Temporary Food Service Product Information form
Application for Mobile Food Vendors & Food Stand Concessions Operating at Temporary Event:
Persons who operate as Mobile Food Vendors or at Food Stand Concessions must submit a separate application from the general temporary
food service permit application. Application MUST be received in the Environmental Health Division office seven (7)
days before the event to avoid a non-refundable late fee. Postmark is NOT sufficient.
Application - Mobiles Operating at Temporary Events
Application for Occasional Food Service Permit:
If applicable, persons may apply for an Occasional Food Service Permit. However, occasional food service permits are not valid for
coordinated multi-vendor temporary food events. In addition, Occasional Food Service Operations may not remain at
one location for more than twenty-one (21) consecutive days.
